If you’re a regular reader on our site, then I think it’s safe to say that you’re a bonafide camper van enthusiast. We spend a lot of time scrolling through our favourite Van Life Instagram feeds and our top portable Tiny House YouTube Channels in a bid to learn more about how the van life culture is evolving and spreading across the globe. When I first started my journey to build a campervan, the vanlife hashtag had around 400’000 users. Yesterday’s count put it on a whopping 6million users; that’s a heck of a lot of growth in just two years.

But what do we know about the history of the camper van before social media threw vandwellers into the spotlight? Sure, we know that the Volkswagen Bus Camper played a big part in getting free spirits out of the city and into the wilderness, but the trail goes a lot further back than that. We’re going to take you on a ‘time-team’ style journey to the early 1800s and check out where the camper van first began. Think of it as the dawn of the vanlifer, the start of a movement that would go on to change the way people live, work, and travel for the rest of time (I should really go into advertising movies with lines like that!).

The History Of The Camper Van – Check Out Where It All Began!

Photo by Caravan Club

A lot of experts will tell you that we owe the invention of the camper van to the 1950s, but that just didn’t seem like a very long time ago to us. We couldn’t just sit with the idea that the camper van appeared one day or that the concept just suddenly popped into someone’s head without any prior thought. We’ve been digging through the internet to try and find out where the notion first came about, and you might be surprised to know that our alternative living roots go a lot further back than the 50s.

We’ve taken a trip back as far as 1855 to try and find out some information about where the idea of the camper van first came about. It seems that there had been a lot of general talk about the idea of a recreational vehicle that could be used to get about on weekends, though no one really nailed the idea of converting a Ford Transit Camper back then (it hadn’t been invented for a start!). Dr William Stables, a Scottish medic with a serious case of wanderlust, commissioned the very first touring caravan.

Named ‘The Wanderer’, this travelling home was pulled around by two horses and spent most of its time having to be dragged out of ditches by Dr. Stables friends and associates. The internal combustion engine was still causing people to run for cover at this point in history, so horsepower was the only option. But with the absence of the TomTom Go Camper sat nav and heavy-duty MaxxTraxx, the Wanderer couldn’t get too far off-grid without finding itself in trouble.

Fast Forward To The 1900s

In 1919, after countless bizarre drawings and crazy ideas, the very first caravan was put into production. The Eccles Motorised Caravan from Birmingham based motor company Eccles was a huge success, so much so that they couldn’t keep up with demand in the early stages

Picture by Period and Classic Caravan Club

The idea of the car pulled Caravan was firmly taking shape and allowed people all over England to get around cheaply while experiencing a different way of life. Gone were the days where you had to spend your holiday saying hello to strangers that you would never meet again; now you could enjoy some good old-fashioned quality time with your loved ones or experience some blissful peace and quiet on your own.

Now I know what you’re thinking; we haven’t covered any RVs in this list so far, but it’s important to know where the ideas started from. We now know that people were trying to think of ways to get off the grid and away from the usual B&B routine that had been the norm before, and we also know that people were looking into the possibility of using an internal combustion engine to make caravans go by themselves. Unfortunately, there was the small problem of World War 1 at this point, so the idea of putting time and effort into changing the caravan faded. But it didn’t disappear entirely.

Britain’s First Ever Motorhome

Picture by Bonhams

It turns out that the notion of creating a motorised camper van hadn’t quite left the minds of all of the population. This is the first example that we have found of a self converted camper van, and it dates back to 1935. It’s a unique, one-of-a-kind vehicle that was commissioned by a naval aristocrat by the name of Captain Dunn. He had the ingenious idea of shipping over the empty chassis of a Pontiac Six from the United States and put together a team of local coachbuilders to set about making his rolling home dreams come true.

This vehicle is truly spectacular and considered to be the motorhome that kick-started the camper van industry. Captain Dunn’s ideas and the coachbuilders that put it together were truly ahead of their time, so much so that the engine work and construction still astounds mechanics who look over the work today. Dunn died in the 1940s but enjoyed many trips out in the vehicle which were documented through family photographs and included alongside the camper van itself at auction. His wife turned the engine over every few days until she passed away in the early 1990s, so miraculously this thing still drives like a dream over 80 years later.

Picture by Bonhams

The inside of the camper van itself is like a quintessentially English version of Back To The Future twinned with an episode of Downton Abbey. The handcrafted cupboards and tables inside are all still in perfect condition, and even though this thing was built before many of us were even born, there are still all of the mod-cons that we use in our own camper vans on a daily basis. Dunn included a little kitchenette in his design, along with a gas oven, a stove, and a water filter. You can see the very first example of a rock-and-roll bed in the back of the van, and there’s a simple toilet included in the build too (no plumbing, just a long-drop onto the ground below).

The 1950s

Picture by FavCars

With two World Wars out of the way, people began to look towards having a little bit more enjoyment in their lives once more. The steel industry began to boom, and we saw the very first examples of a little nippy bus that you and I know all too well. A German company by the name of Westfalia who had proven their worth in the caravan market began to create custom kits for converting these little busses, and so the very first VW Transporter Campers were born. The kits could slide in and out of the campers at will, but their creation marked a new age of recreational vehicle making and gave other motor companies ideas on how to tap into the market.

Notice how the design still looks a little bit like a car? That’s all about to change in the 60s!

If you’re into your camper van history, then you might already know that the mighty Dormobile entered the fray around about this time. The Dormobile was originally designed as a sleep-only campervan, but it provided you with everything that you needed for getting away from the house and sleeping comfortably out in the wilderness. Sure, it might have been a little cold, but you just had to make sure that you had someone to snuggle with to keep warm or a good set of blankets if you didn’t. When the Bedford CA arrived on the scene, Dormobile added extra luxuries such as a kitchen setup and the all-famous pop-up roof. It’s not clear whether this could have been the inspiration for pop-top roofs worldwide, but we’re going to go ahead and say that it was.

The Swinging Sixties

Two camper brands dominated the world of camper van design in the sixties; the Ford Thames 400e (pictured above), and the Morris J4 (pictured below). Now we start to see the shape of the camper van evolving and moving more from a car to a van, creating space for all of the parts, furniture, and accessories that we still use and rely on today (and that Captain Dunn included in his own camper 25 years before). With more room to play around with, conversion companies sprang into business and threw their own spin on these vehicles. Dormobile rose to the top of the ranks and had to look for bigger premises for their work with the VW Microbus and the VW Kombi, creating camper vans that many of you still own today.

At this point, if you owned a camper van, then you were restricted to the same speeds as vans are on the road today. If it wasn’t for Peter Pitt of Pitt Conversions arguing the fact that campers were in fact private vehicles and not used for commercial purposes, then we would all still be plodding along at 60mph and being overtaken by Ford Kas on the motorway. This is why it’s so important to classify your converted camper as a motorhome with the DVLA; failing to do so may lead to speeding fines if you’re caught driving over the speed limit of a commercial van.

The 1960s also saw the birth of the Ford Transit, a van that has gone on to produce some of best Ford Campers on the roads today. Companies, including Dormobile, rushed to begin converting this new addition to the camper van arsenal, helping to cement the Transit as one of the most important vehicles in camper van history. With much more cubic space in the back of the van, converters could really go to town with the kits that they produced to turn these gear hauliers into mobile homes. The thing I like best about the mid-sized transits is that they have very few curves; cladding the roof on my Vauxhall Movano Maxi Roof was an absolute nightmare, but the Transit provides far fewer headaches.

Camper Vans In The News

A classic VW T2 in my hometown of Keighley, West Yorkshire. And yes, it always looks that grey and dismal around there.

I don’t often tell people that I grew up near Keighley, West Yorkshire. It’s not that I’m ashamed of where I grew up, it’s just that the neighbouring town of Skipton is much nicer, so I usually write that on forms instead. Keighley doesn’t have many amazing accolades apart from the fact that the guy that played Chewbacca came from there, but this next bit of news that we found while scouring the internet has changed my view of old ‘K-Town’ forever.

in 1969, a Camper Van endurance race from Keighley to Lands-End and back again helped to put camper vans on the national news. The journey of around 1’800 miles put many campervan conversions through their paces, and also tested their comfort in both the cab and the living area. Nowadays we make do with watching Vettel and Hamilton fly around a track at breakneck speeds, but I would love to see camper van endurance races make a comeback on the BBC, wouldn’t you?

The 1970s – 1980s

Vintage Fiat 236 Camper Van

Fiat entered the market with a brand new vehicle that got the converters thinking about new ideas for the future. Toyota also brought out the Hiace, a fact that Dormobile quickly got to grips with for their new designs. The Caravan Club added motorhomes to their repertoire, and the camper van was now becoming a sturdy alternative to the tried-and-tested caravan of yesteryear. The rise of the vandwellers had begun.

Unfortunately, the camper van hype took a little bit of a knock during the second half of the 70s and the early 80s, with many conversion companies falling by the wayside throughout the decade. Even the untouchable Dormobile took a couple of hits along the way as the UK economy faltered. The VW T3 sorted things right out when it appeared on the block, however, reigniting the camper conversion fires and bringing back some of the companies that had gone under during the 70s dry spell.

The Long-Wheelbase Van

Picture by MyVan

As many of you who have been living in a van or travelling in a van know, the long-wheelbase van provides arguably the best blank canvas for making a tiny home on wheels. It’s much easier to create the feeling of separate rooms, and you can cram so much more in without making the space feel over cramped. The higher roofs on some of the Mercedes Sprinter Conversions and Citroen Camper Van models make standing up much easier and eradicate the need for a pop-top or expanding roof of any kind. They have become the go-to vehicles for many modern-day conversion companies, but the idea first came to fruition in the mid-1980s.

Long wheelbase vans from Peugeot, Renault, Mercedes, and Talbot changed the way that conversion companies thought about their designs forever. Just imagine you’re an artist that has always had to draw on A5 paper, and then suddenly somebody gives you a sheet of A1 and says ‘go crazy!’. Now apply that feeling from a microbus to a Sprinter Camper Van and you should start to get where I’m going with this.

After long-wheelbase vans arrived on the scene, companies such as Eldis and Swift began to craft some of the best motorhomes that are still on our roads and taking over wild-camping spots in the Algarve today. In the early 2000s, the notion of the smaller camper van came into play, with Ford, Citroen and Fiat creating some of the early ‘weekend warrior’ day van models. These campers are still as popular as ever and prove to be a great choice for home-grown conversion companies the world over.

Present Day

The camper van has come a long way from Dr Stables’ touring caravan and Captain Dunn’s hand-built motorhome, but the ideas that they implemented into their respective builds have gone on to shape a multi-million-pound industry that sees Britains alone spending 50-million nights off the grid collectively each year. New camper vans are coming out all the time with incredible features that are designed to make living off grid more comfortable and to give the driver more scope for going where the Bedford CAs of this world could only ever dream of going.

From the luxury Carado Axion to off-grid behemoths like the EarthRoamer Camper and the EarthCruiser, off grid living has never been more exciting. Technological advancements in portable solar charging allow us to stay away from campsites and out of the city for longer, and new designs and concepts like this VW Electric Campervan dropping over the next couple of years are constantly keeping us guessing as to what new developments might be just around the corner. We’ve also seen a rise in the number of stealth campers and micro campers on the road in recent years too, proving that tiny house living is at an all–time high!

Picture by @vincentvanlife

Over the past few years, the self converted camper van has become increasingly popular with the younger campers and members of the digital nomad movement. With social media apps such as Instagram and Pinterest holding an absolute goldmine of self-build inspiration pics, and YouTube videos teaching you how to build a campervan at the touch of a button, it’s never been easier to turn your self-built conversion dreams into a reality. Converting a van yourself is much cheaper than paying a conversion company to do it for you, and you can customise your interior to your exact specification while you’re at it. It worked for Captain Dunn back in 1935, so I’m pretty confident that you can make it work too.

Owning a camper van gives you the freedom to head out onto the open road at a moments notice, travelling to wherever your heart desires whenever the feeling takes you. Many of our British readers spend a lot of time scrolling through their favourite Van Life Instagram accounts while looking at pictures of vanlifers in hot and sunny climates overseas; wanderlust can do that to a person. But the truth is that an off grid adventure to Morocco or racing off road trucks to Sardinia isn’t always a viable option. Work and family commitments mean that sometimes you have to stay a little closer to home, but that’s where we’re here to help. We’ve made a list of the best places to visit in a campervan UK, and it’s going to change your holiday plans forever.

spots to your journey plans. From stunning castles to epic coastal roads, we’ve found 10 of the best places to visit in a campervan UK on your next road trip. Now all you need to do is fill up with fuel and get out onto the road!

The 10 Best Places To Visit In A Campervan UK

1. North York Moors National Park, Yorkshire

Photo by Yorkshire.com

I’m going to start off with a place that is pretty close to my heart. I was born and raised in the heart of Yorkshire, commonly known to the people who live here as ‘God’s County’. Traditionally a farming people whose closest relatives are hobbits, Yorkshire folk spend a lot of time in the great outdoors, and looking at the photo above it’s not hard to see why. I’ve spent many weekends here when I was living in a van full time in the UK, finding hiliving in a vandden park up spots and spending the day hiking through the heather and strolling underneath leafy boughs while listening to the birds. It’s a tranquil and above all else relaxing place to take a break away. Check out Park4Night and other apps to check out some of the choice spots that people have stayed in.

2. North Coast 500, Scotland

Photo by The Green Cruachan

Route 66 isn’t the only road top that is appearing on peoples bucket lists these days. The North Coast 500 is putting Scotland on the van life map for all of the right reasons. 516 miles of free-camping bliss, taking in some of the most incredible sights that Scotland has to offer. Pass through ‘Black Isle’ (which isn’t black or an isle but looks amazing); take a romantic trip to Easter Ross, and spend time exploring ‘Sutherland’, Europe’s last great wilderness (and not to be confused with the boat-building town of Sunderland, which while nice is undoubtedly not as scenic).

The fact that wild camping is 100% legal in Scotland means that you can enjoy this 5-7 day route relatively cheaply. Take in some of the fantastic beaches along the route, and maybe crank out your StandOut Sport paddle board gear and take a trip out into the ocean too. The possibilities are endless, and we guarantee that this is one road trip that you’ll come back to time and time again.

3. Keswick, The Lake District

Photo by Sallys Cottages

Speaking of spending time out on the water, what better place to inflate up your Bluefin Paddleboards than in the Lake District. Keswick is home to some of the most scenic walks and mountain hikes in Britain, and it’s also the home of Peter Rabbit creator Beatrix Potter. Spend time cruising up and down Derwentwater, or maybe take a drive to nearby Helvellyn and test your skills against one of the most famous climbs in the Lakes.

I love spending time in the Lake District because there is so much to see and do there. If you’re in a camper, then you can either choose to make one place your base and go out on day trips or take a drive around the many different lakes and find a different park up spot every night. Boon-docking is a little bit harder up in Keswick, but I’m sure that with a little bit of careful digging you’ll be able to find somewhere suitable for a good nights kip. It’s one of the best places to visit in a campervan UK and a place of culture, food, and wonder (and don’t forget the rabbit in the blue jacket)!

4. The Cornish Riviera, Cornwall

Photo by Omio.co.uk

Ok, so this is an affectionate title given to Cornwall by the people that live or love going there, but when the UK gets a heat wave and the Celtic Sea starts to feel more like the Mediterranean, then you could be forgiven for thinking that you’ve teleported straight to mainland Europe! Cornwall is a British surfing paradise and a hot spot for water-sports lovers all year round. It’s coastal sandy beaches and cliffside parking spots make it the perfect place to take your family or a loved one out for a special trip that you will remember for a lifetime (providing it doesn’t rain of course).

So what is there to do in Cornwall? Apart from trying your hand at surfing, paddle boarding and body boarding, you can take a trip to St. Ives, Falmouth, and Newquay, and even try your hand as a pirate in Penzance (just don’t go to far end end up coming home with a hook; it’ll be pretty hard to use your steering wheel if you do!).

5. Forest Of Dean, The Cotswolds

Photo by Forestry England

The UK’s very own Schwarzwald can be found in the heart of the Cotswolds, home to Britains oldest pub dating back to 947AD and a former headquarters of Charles I. The Forest Of Dean is a stunning place teeming with wildlife and also a couple of wandering wizards if you’re a Harry Potter fan. Take a trip into the mysterious Puzzle Wood, a place that’s supposed to be for kids but is way more enjoyable for nerdy adults, and spend hours getting lost in the beauty of nature.

If you’re inspired by art and love to be creative, then you could spend a day exploring the Forest Of Dean Sculpture Trail, and if adventurous expeditions are more your bag, then the Clearwell Caves are ready and waiting for you to strap on a GoPro and start your search for hidden wonders. This is definitely a good spot if you have younger campers that you want to keep occupied and it’s also in close proximity to lots of other quaint towns and villages that you can go and get a cream scone and a cup of tea when you’re feeling peckish.

6. Cardiff, Wales

Photo by @visitwales

There’s something about visiting castles that I just can’t get enough off, and if your planning a trip to the best places to visit in a campervan UK, then the chances are that you’ll see a heck of a lot of them while driving around. Some of the oldest and best can be found in Wales, and Cardiff Castle has to be my favourite out of all of them. There’s just something about this place that makes me think of battles in bygone-eras and massive feasts in the dining hall. I’m basically just thinking about Game Of Thrones as I write this; it’s got that vibe, right?

Cardif is also one of the most bustling cities in Wales, though I guess that you would expect as much from a country’s capital city! Take a trip to Cardiff Bay and watch the boats come in or zip up your wetsuit and take a dip into the sea. There’s plenty to do and see and some amazing attractions that you can sign up to experience. Just don’t get yourself locked up in a Castle Dungeon like poor old Ned Stark; we wouldn’t be able to forgive ourselves.

7. Tollymore Forest, Northern Ireland

Speaking of Game Of Thrones, if you’re a super fan but don’t fancy trekking out to Dubrovnik to see Kings Landing, then head over to Northern Ireland and check out many of the places that featured in this iconic series. Tollymore Forest was used in the very first episode of Game Of Thrones. Remember that foreboding part where the Dire Wolf and the Stag are found dead on the road and the Stark children each receive one of the Dire Wolf pups as a pet? That was filmed here! It features on part of the official Game Of Thrones tour where you can go and see other filming locations around Northern Ireland, and you even get to wear a cape too!

Apart from it’s connections to Game Of Thrones, Tollymore Forest and indeed Northern Ireland itself are jam-packed full of secluded park-ups, riverside walks and stunning locations to sit down and eat your packed lunch while watching the world go by. From the Giant’s Causeway to the dramatic Dunluce Castle, you’re sure to find something exciting to do while staying in this beautiful part of the world. Boredom doesn’t exist in Northern Ireland, which is why it has made out list of the best places to visit in a campervan UK!

8. The Lizard National Reserve, Devon

Photo by National Trust

Anywhere with a name like The Lizard Peninsula deserves a spot on our list of the best places to visit in a campervan UK! It’s the largest nature reserve in the South-West and probably the best location in the entire country for spotting wildlife in a natural environment. If you’re a bit of a nature-nerd like I am, then you’ll be amazed by the sheer numbers of rare plants and invertebrates that you can find here. It’s a biology goldmine and a great place for budding nature enthusiasts to hone their searching skills out in the wild.

The Lizard Peninsula takes in breathtaking views of the ocean from cliffside walks through rare coastal fauna, and there might even be a chance of spotting a few cheeky lizards along the way. With mini coves and miles and miles of woodland to explore, you’re sure to see something completely new every time you take a trip down here. Lizard has lots of parking spots for you to stay overnight in your campervan, so consider taking a trip to a much tamer, smaller, and friendlier version of Jurrasic Park on your next road trip.

9. Brecon Beacons, Wales

Photo by Countryfile

We’re heading back to wales for our ninth spot on our best places to visit in a campervan UK. The Brecon Beacons has provided a home from home to holidaymakers for decades, delighting people with its many waterfalls, forest walks, and country jaunts (I don’t get to use the word ‘jaunt’ that often, but it’s quintessentially Brittish, so I thought I would stick it in). Home to the famous ‘Black Mountains, the Brecon Beacons is a cavers dream destination and has plenty of inviting plunge pools that you can take a dip in after a long hike through the wilderness.

I think the thing that I love the most about the Brecon Beacons is the sheer vastness of the landscape and the fact that you’re truly away from the hustle and bustle of the city or any modern-day distractions. Its a great way of getting back to basics and a good excuse to relax back with a good book while forgetting that those files and invoices on your desk even exist. Take it from me, this is one place that is worth visiting (mostly because Brandon can’t get hold of me or Rose to talk about articles as there’s limited phone signal!)

10. The Isle Of Wight

Photo by The Independent

If you’re looking for sunnier climates and don’t mind hopping aboard a ferry, then the Isle Of Wight would be a great choice for your next motorhome road trip. Shanklin Beach and Ventnor Beach are some of the most beautiful bits of coastline that I’ve ever visited while holidaying in and around the UK, and with the added pull of possibly finding a piece of a fossilised dinosaur over in Compton Bay, you’ve got a full recipe for adventure that will keep you and your inner child happy for days on end.

The Isle Of Wight has lots of stunning coastal footpaths, so if you’re a fan of walking, then this would be the place to go. Travelling in a van is all about getting out there and exploring the outdoors, and what better place to breath in that fresh sea air while walking barefoot across the sand than the Isle Of Wight. And if you’re hard up on cash and looking for something to do for free, then you can always go and visit the donkey sanctuary. Who doesn’t like donkeys!

Travelling in a van is a great way to see the world on a shoestring budget, so it’s no wonder that living the van life has taken off and become such a popular lifestyle choice. The booming number of vandwellers has been helped along the way by many vanlife blogs and van life influencers. However, living in a compact camper van isn’t always going to be as straightforward or as perfect as it looks on Instagram, so we’re here to give you ten camper life tips to help you on your way before hitting the road full time in your tiny home.

Van life travel is a fantastic experience; it’s incredible to be able to take your tiny house with you wherever you go and wake up in a new place every day but living in a van can be an adjustment. Living in small campers takes practise, but there are things that make travel in a van easier and more enjoyable, so read on if you want to get the best experience possible when you embark on your off grid adventure.

Itching to try out Full Time Van Life
? Want to reveal to the world that you’re a weekend warrior? Head over to our brand new Facebook Group! It’s a place to pick up vanlife tips, share ideas, and meet other van life enthusiasts from around the globe!

1. Fully Service Your Van

@antstart_eyes

First up on our list of ten camper tips to consider before hitting the road is to give your van a full service. A comprehensive service is something we did not do, and we wish we had, after all, we might not have needed to shell out for two different repairs if we had gone for a full service before leaving the UK. When I say full service, I don’t just mean a compulsory MOT (or equivalent engine servicing) as this checks that your camper works at the time of service. Pay the extra to have a mechanic change the oil and filters and to check that everything looks good for a long journey; it’ll be worth it in the long run.

Looking after your vehicle can be one of the most expensive van life costs, but it is essential not to let vehicle care fall by the wayside. After all, when your van doubles as your off grid home, it’s worth looking after. If you have an older, more affordable camper, then I would expect to pay a little bit more on repairs and servicing than someone who owns a brand new sprinter camper conversion. However, this doesn’t mean that your vehicle won’t take you around the world, just that it might need a little more love to do so.

2. Pack For All Weathers

@jaredsmancini

Second, on our list of camper life tips is to remember to pack for all weather conditions. The joy of vanlife travel is that you have complete freedom of movement. You can wake up one morning and decide to travel to a different country, without needing to look for the best flights or train tickets. For a lot of people, this means they live an eternal summer, always driving to where the sun is. I mean, who doesn’t want to spend all year living in shorts and a T-shirt?

However, it is a good idea to pack for all weathers, setting off on your adventure with only shorts and T-shirts would be a mistake. The weather can change without a moments notice, especially when you’re moving from place to place all the time and, when you live in a van, you notice the weather much more than you would in a house. You don’t want to have to stay inside just because you didn’t pack enough jumpers or a waterproof jacket, especially if you are an outdoorsy person. After all, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.

3. Remember To Pack The Fun Stuff

@yvonnepferrer

At number three on our list of camper life tips, we have: remember to pack the fun stuff! When people pack for a long trip in their camper van, many people will pack the van life essentials– clothes, cooking utensils, a solar shower etc. However, it is important to remember to pack things that will make your trip even more fun. Most people remember the big stuff such as surfboards, paddleboards, climbing equipment, hiking gear, but often people leave other hobbies that they would have usually done at home.

Here, I’m talking about board games, a deck of cards, your sketchbook, guitar or knitting. Anything you would have done on the weekend at home, then bring it with you because there are some days when you’re going to want to tone the adventure down and chill out. There will also be times when the weather won’t allow you to get outside or that you’re ill and need some more relaxing entertainment than a surf session. Then you would wish you hadn’t left everything at home.

4. Check The Law In Different Countries

@jordan_whitcombe

Next up on or list of camper life tips we have: check the law in each country you will be travelling to. As van life travel becomes more popular and common many countries are implementing new requirements for campers to follow. It’s a good idea to educate yourself on these laws so that you know what is allowed and what isn’t. For example, in Norway, it is entirely legal to camp anywhere you like for the night, as long as it is 150metres away from the nearest house or cabin. Whereas in Switzerland, wild camping is illegal.

As well as learning parking and camping laws for each country you plan on visiting it is also a good idea to find out what each countries toll system is. Many countries choose to charge tolls to drive on the motorway but how this is charged is not the same everywhere. Some countries, such as France and Italy, have toll booths, where you can pay as you drive. For these, it is a good idea to carry cash as we have found that many toll booths do not accept foreign bank cards. However, to drive on the motorway in other countries, such as Slovenia and Austria, a vignette is required which you must purchase before entering the country in question.

5. Talk To Other Vanlifers

@kjp

We’re halfway through our list of camper life tips to consider before hitting the road and up next we have: talk to other vanlifers. This is a tip that applies both before you set off and while you are on your journey. Meeting new people who are also travelling in their tiny homes is one of the most fantastic parts of van life. People travelling a similar path to you are usually easy to get on with, and it is great to spend a few days hanging out with new people- never be afraid to knock on a door and say hi, you never know who you might meet!

Equally, if you have questions that you want to ask before you set off on your camper life journey, then don’t hesitate to reach out to other travellers online. Instagram is a great way to find people with more experience in life on the road who you can learn from. You can also join our new Facebook Group to meet other like-minded people!

6. Choose Good Insurance And Breakdown Cover

@zweidreitage

Next up on our list of camper life tips to consider before hitting the road is a serious one: insurance and breakdown cover. It is very important to find suitable insurance and breakdown cover for your road trip. No matter how much you plan, something might go wrong, but having good coverage for your van and belongings can help a stressful situation feel a little bit easier.

Being broken down is not fun but knowing you have help on your side is a comforting feeling. Breakdown cover will not only come out to do minor repairs at the roadside but can also tow you to a garage if needs be. Good camper van insurance will tow you home if the repair proves to be a big job or if you are nearing the end of your trip. The best insurance will even cover the cost of accommodation and onward travel expenses while your campervan is being fixed, which is a massive weight off your shoulders if you have a long wait time for your repair.

Insurance on your van is not only a legal requirement to cover yourself if you are involved in an accident but also great peace of mind in the case of a break-in. You may also want to consider insurance for your gadgets as these may not be covered in your motorhome insurance. This means you can seek compensation or a replacement if any of your devices are lost, stolen or broken while on the road.

7. Carry A Tool Kit

@lubagapon

Next up on our list of camper life tips to consider before hitting the road is to carry a tool kit. Having a tool kit on board is not only helpful if you get into vehicle trouble- there is no point in carrying a spare wheel if you don’t have the tools to change it- but also for the inside of your camper van. This especially applies if your van is one of the beautiful DIY campervan conversions out there. It’s good to have a basic tool kit on board just in case you need to fix anything or want to alter anything in your tiny home while you’re on the road.

If you have a roof vent or skylight in the van, whether it’s a DIY conversion or not, it’s a good idea to carry a tube of sealant in your tool kit. There is nothing more annoying than a drip through the roof of your tiny home, especially if you have a skylight over your bed. It’s not the end of the world if this happens as the sealant can crack and flex as the weather and temperature fluctuate, but it is great to know you can quickly fix it if it does happen.

8. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

@beelzebus

The next tip we have for those just starting on their camper life journey is not to be afraid to live outside your comfort zone. Even while living an alternative lifestyle, it can be easy to fall into a comfortable pattern or routine. Choosing a campsite over wild camping or taking the motorway instead of the scenic route. But the best nights will be those where you’ve stepped away from your routine and tried something a little bit different.

Go for that wild camping spot and enjoy the views that come with it. Or take that dirt road, as you never know what will be at the end of it. Don’t forget why you set out on your adventure, sometimes the best experiences and memories are born when you step outside of your comfort zone. After all, what can go wrong when you have your home on your back?

9. Think About How You Will Charge On The Go

@thatgirlonthebench

Before you set up on your camper life adventure, it is important to consider how you are going to charge your gadgets while you’re on the road. For example, there is no point in packing a drone if you are unable to charge its batteries from your campervan. There are two main ways to charge your campervan batteries while on the go: solar panels, often paired with a split charge relay to charge while you drive, and by plugging into the mains electricity source. From here you need to think about what inverter would suit you best.

An inverter converts 12v electricity, that is stored in your vans leisure batteries, into 240v power. You need to make sure you choose an inverter that has a high enough watt rating to deal with the products you will be plugging into it. If this is something you’re concerned about, then there’s more information on how to choose the right electrical system for you in our how to build a campervan E-book.

10. Live Life To The Full For Less

@endless_footsteps

Last up on our list of camper life tips to consider before hitting the road is that you can live life to the full for less. Yes, budgeting while on the ultimate road trip may seem tedious, but is it boring if it means you can travel for longer? No, I didn’t think so. Just because you’re travelling, it doesn’t mean that you have to go out for a meal every night. Choose to spend your money on things you will remember not just any old tourist trap. Avoid those toll roads and find a free camping area instead of paying for a campsite if you can.

By choosing to save on some of these unnecessary expenses, you can have more money to extend your travel or to fill it with more adventures. By saving on campsites and meals out, you could go canyoning, scuba diving or give sky diving a go instead. Save your pennies and fill your life with adventure!

We all love living the van life and travelling in a van, but is living in a van legal in the eyes of the law? Thanks to our favourite Van Life Influencers and the wanderlust-inducing mouth-wateringly addictive content on our Van Life Instagram feeds, more and more people are throwing away the rulebook and giving alternative living a try.

The signs might be hard to spot for some, but now that I have spent a year away from the UK and travelling around Europe with other vandwellers, I’m amazed by how many vanlifers I have seen in and around Yorkshire. When I get into my van at night, it’s nice to know that there are other people in their tiny homes around about, smoke wafting lazily from their chimneys and a glint of light peeping from underneath their curtains.

But as much as I love living in a van and recommend the experience to anyone and everyone whenever I get the chance, the question still remains – is living in a van legal? From travelling around over the past two years, I know that it is certainly viewed differently by different authorities in their respective countries, but the topic of sleeping in a vehicle has always been a little bit of a grey area. Do people care? Well, that depends how tidy you are and if you’re annoying the occupants of the surrounding houses (or if they wake up on the wrong side of the bed). I lived in my vehicle for 13 months in one city while working in a previous job and no-one batted an eyelid. People even said hello and came round for cups of tea!

Anyway, you didn’t come here for an early glimpse at my autobiography. Here are the cold-hard facts about van life in the UK and across the world. It’s important to say at this point that; a) this is just a guide and that we don’t speak on behalf of the government or the police, and b) don’t bother suing us because the boss pays us all in chocolate money

Van Life Facts – Is Living In A Van Legal?

If you’re reading this from the UK, then the short answer is ‘Yes’. There is no law stating that you cannot live in a motorhome, camper, or converted van full time. My personal opinion still remains that most people don’t believe that anyone would want to live in a van, and that the ones that do either love it or pretend that us vanlifers don’t exist. That’s fine by me; it’s fewer people for the Christmas card list after all.

Answering the question of is living in a van legal is one thing, but there are a whole host of things that you need to take time to consider if you’re going to give Full Time Van Life a try. As long as your vehicle has a valid MOT and is road taxed, then you’re good to go, but that doesn’t mean that you can just park anywhere that you like. There might be certain restrictions that you need to research before going off-grid in your own city or in a new area, and it’s important to try and blend in with the crowd rather than publically advertising your new, bold lifestyle to the masses.

Some will argue that you can ‘park where the bloody-hell you like’, but I would adopt a different stance. Parking near nice open spaces and away from terraced streets is both easier and more pleasant for all parties involved. It feels more private and you avoid any chances of being blocked in by neighbours. Likewise, you can’t suddenly decide that you want to park in the middle of a racetrack or in a local park – choose your spots wisely and look to apps like Park4Night for assistance.

Sleeping In A Van After A Night Out

While the initial question of ‘is living in a van legal’ can, on the whole, be answered quite easily, there are other factors that you need to consider if you’re seriously considering this way of life. It is illegal to be in a charge of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, so technically you would be breaking the law while sleeping in your camper when returning after a night out unless there is another designated driver in the vehicle who is under the legal limit and safe to drive.

We’ve heard lots of stories of people free-wheeling their van over their keys to prevent them from being able to move their campers once inebriated, but knowing us, we’d end up losing them down a nearby drain. That’s not something that we would advise, by the way; if you’re thinking of having a few drinks, then spend the night at a friends house or make sure someone is there in the van who hasn’t been consuming alcohol. The same goes for drugs too, not that any of our readers do those (this is a family magazine after all!).

What About In Different Countries?

If you’re wondering about van life in the U.S, then believe me when I say that you’ll have no problems. Campervans can be seen everywhere you look while driving around America and the vanlife movement, as a whole, is far bigger than what it is in the U.K. National Forest and BLM land is free for anyone to park on, and that accounts for a lot of America’s beautiful wilderness.

My experience of travelling around Europe has shown me that different countries on the continent have different opinions about van life and wild camping. Generally speaking, the Europeans love travelling in vans and we stayed at lots of places with permanent van-dwelling residents who have formed little communities of their own. France, Portugal, Spain, and Italy are incredibly geared up for vandwellers and even provide free areas to empty your waste and fill up with fresh water.

The question of ‘is living in a van legal’ gets a little more complicated in countries such as Greece, Slovenia, and Austria, where wild camping is strictly prohibited. You will often be moved on by the police and in some cases fined, but there are certain free spaces that you can use as overnight bases when you want to plan day-trip-drives into your adventure the following day. We stayed at one spot in Slovenia near a swimming pool for 4 days and journeyed to-and-from our parking-lot-home to see the sights. That’s all well and good in a small country like Slovenia, but you might need to look into paying for a campsite in larger countries that don’t like overnight on-street parking.

Our Advice

Now that you know it’s legal, you just need to keep your wits about you to make sure you are one step ahead of the game. I don’t mean anything sinister like Varys and Little Finger plotting over the Iron Throne (that sentence may have passed straight over your head if you’re not a massive nerd like me), but it is important to make sure that you always have the correct and up-to-date documentation on you to prove that your vehicle is roadworthy. Don’t push your luck with local councils or the local authorities, and try to remain conscious of the people who live around you. Don’t make a mess either; leave no trace! Public defecation is wrong no matter whether you live in a marquee or a mansion, so make sure you have a safe and sanitary means of disposing of your waste

The bit I love the most about living in a van is having a different front garden every day. The scenery is always the same from inside a house, but when your home is on wheels, the whole world is your oyster (unless you’re allergic to shellfish, then it could be your parsnip or your ratatouille instead).

Whether you’re living in a van because you like the adventure or just because you’re trying to avoid ridiculous rent prices, the main thing you should remember is to enjoy the experience. As long as you play by the unwritten rules and respect noise policies and people’s space, you should have a very stress-free alternative living journey. Good luck!

From hair color inspired by highlighters to a stage style pulled straight from the '90s, Billie Eilish doesn't seem to be afraid to embrace bold and colorful style moments. The recent Justin Bieber collaborator has made a seriously memorable statement with her music, but we also can't get enough of her wardrobe. The popular musician has been spotted in just about everything, including a Powerpuff Girls top and a shopping bag, and in case you've missed a second of the fashionable action, we've rounded up some of her best looks.

If you're in need of a monochromatic moment or you're not sure how to incorporate your favorite cartoons into your closet, Billie has you covered. From the stage to her street style, the singer has delivered on enough stylish ensembles to eternally cover our entire wardrobe mood board. Turn on your favorite Billie tune, and then take a scroll through some of our favorite looks below.

20. Yellow Grunge

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.

35.

Celebs, who tipped us about trends and the latest fashion. Especially the heart of street fashion is in the hands of celebrities. Today we look at one of the cutest celebrities with 30 best pics: Ariana Grande Outfits 2019.

1. Ariana Grande Outfit 2019

If you want a sporty look, here’s a great example. Especially platform sneakers looks pretty stylish.

4. Ariana Grande Outfit

5. Yellow Top

6. Sweatshirt Dress

7. Date Night Outfit

8. White Sweater

9. Jeans

10. Casual Style

11. All Black Outfit

12. White Oversized Hoodie

13. Sweatpants and Sweatshirt

14. Winter Look

15. Thigh-High Boots

16. Simple and Chic

17. Brown Bomber Jacket

18. Sporty Outfit

19. Camouflage Pants with Heels

20. Comfy and Stylish

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

Here we reviewed Ariana Grande Outfits 2019 in 30 pics, with both outfits and excellent hairstyles. She’s really cool and if you’re looking for an idol of street style yourself, Arianna might be the right person.

If you want to see more celebrity outfits, click hereto see our galleries!

Celebrities have always been the perfect inspiration for us. Sometimes makeup, sometimes hair, and sometimes fashion. So, today we’re looking at one of the most iconic celebrities: here’s a huge gallery of 40+ Khloe Kardashian Outfits.

Khloe, who is quite ambitious, offers us great suggestions, especially on street style. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s scroll down!

1. Khloe Kardashian Outfit

The coolest jacket with lacy bust top looks pretty hot. The ripped denim completes this view wonderfully. Fluffy slippers? Our thoughts on this subject are a bit confused. 🙂

26. White Sneakers

27. High Heels

28. Met Gala After Party

29. White Jumpsuit

30. Oversized Coat

31.Khloe Kardashian Style

32.Khloe Kardashian Style

33.Khloe Kardashian Style

34.Khloe Kardashian Style

35.Khloe Kardashian Style

36.Khloe Kardashian Style

37.Khloe Kardashian Style

38.Khloe Kardashian Style

39.Khloe Kardashian Style

40.Khloe Kardashian Style

41.Khloe Kardashian Style

42.Khloe Kardashian Style

43.Khloe Kardashian Style

44.Khloe Kardashian Style

Here we have reviewed Khloe Kardashian Outfits with 44 most wonderful pictures. With these examples, you can get a line that suits the street fashion. If you want to review more celeb outfits you can tap here.

Models dependably have a group of beauticians to make them look fabulous while on obligation. Be that as it may, when they escape their creator attire to wear celebrity casual outfits, out of this world shoes and perfect cosmetics, what do you think these models have on?

It’s not astounding to discover that it’s generally jeans. Enjoying some downtime, models like to be agreeable enough to do their different occupations like deal with their children.

If you’re looking for celebrity casual outfits, Look at these 25 models who we think have the best celebrity casual style!

1. Selena Gomez 2019 Look

Selena is always fashionable and stylish! Even in this casual outfit, she still looks SO classy! Jeans with white sneakers, black jacket over a white dotted black blouse. She has a big white bag and it also looks great! Don’t overlook the

11. Emilia Clarke Denim Fashion

12. Zendaya In Jeans

13. Jessica Alba Casual Style

14. Julianne Hough Spring Look

15. Emma Stone Skinny Jeans

16. Rihanna White T-Shirt

17. Emma Roberts Wearing Loafers

18. Kristen Stewart Grunge Style

19. Emilia Clarke Travel Outfit

20. Selena Gomez Summer Idea

21. Cute Leopard Print Blouse

22. Jennifer Aniston Everyday Jeans

23. Jennifer Lawrence Latest 2019 Style

24. Jennifer Lopez Look

25. Kendall Jenner Night Out

State what you need about Kendall Jenner and how she got into modeling yet her taking a break style is constantly worth looking at. The 20-year-old wears many skinny jeans and yoga pants and has additionally promoted culottes.

An edgy style is all about mix and matching your clothing wearing apparel with other outfit accessories that are reflective of your unconventional and unique personal style. To pursue a different winter edgy style, check out the following ideas that will keep you cozy without losing your expressive taste.

1. Hunt for Signature Jackets

Having a signature style doesn’t mean firmly sticking with a particular brand or color scheme. It’s more about a style that reflects your personality or identity. Find a winter jacket that best suits you. Black leather jackets, bomber jackets, solid-colored or plaid pea coats or trench coats are some popular choices.

A black leather jacket that looks cool. Which can be combined with a black shirt that looks simple. Then added with black denim pants and black sneakers shoes are extraordinary.image source

Black leather jacket that has an elegant impression. Combined with a beautiful black turtle neck sweater. Then you can wear blue denim pants and black high knee boots that look cool.image source

To stay stylish and trendy of course stay warm you can wear a checkered coat combined with black pants and boots that give a beautiful feel in winter.image source

2. Play with Contrasting Layers and Textures

Layering is not only a necessity but also helps keep you warm and creates a fabulous fashion statement. Many or more textures of material will also offer a unique edgy look to your winter clothes. Combining a black cotton dress with a black or velvet leather jacket can inspire a very strong aura.

Beautiful black leather jacket seen. Always combined with an elegant long black dress. Then for the finishing touch, you can curse black high heels for elegant style.

A black leather jacket for an elegant style. Combined with a long black dress that looks beautiful. then complete using stylish white sneakers shoes.

Black leather jacket for an attractive style. Then combined using a beautiful long black dress. But you can mix with charming black high heels.image source

3. Wear Dresses in New Ways

Don’t give up your dress on these colder days. Leggings, fishnet stockings, or highest thighs are some of the best solutions for staying warm. Or, pair your tight skinny jeans with a tunic dress, wear comfortable boots.

The blue tunic dress combined with tight blue jeans and comfortable brown boots, of course, is perfect for traveling in cold weather outside because it gives a warm feeling to the body and gives a simple impression on your appearance. Don’t forget the casual medium-sized brown bag and brown boots. This creates a stylish look in winter.

Striped tunic dresses with dark blue jeans make you more confident to move outside on a cold day. For your choice of shoes, you can choose high boots that are up to your knees which are naturally comfortable and warm for your activities on a cold day.image source

This time there is a tunic dress that is dominated by a plaid scarf that is worn around your neck, which of course can warm your body from the cold weather when outdoors activities. For pants, you can choose tight blue donker jeans and additional hats to complete your appearance.image source

4. Rock Your Footwear
Boots are perfect picks for your winter edgy style combos. They can be a great pairing for any edgy look. Chunky black leather boots for grunge outfits, platform boots for a retro-inspired clothing, functional rain boots or work boots for metal fashion or urban street-wear style, and the list can get longer.

A warm beige sweater dominated with a warm deep green scarf around your neck is perfect for an edgy style in winter. Dark blue jeans and green boots are a great choice for finishing sweaters and green scarves for edgy styles in winter.image source

You can also try combining a beige fur jacket with a dark sweater and blue jeans that can give the impression of being edgy to travel when the weather is cold outside the room. You can also complement your shoes with black bootsimage source

5. Pick the Right Accessories
Decide the right accessories that best represent your edgy style. You have a wide range of choices like hats, scarves, and gloves, as well as handbags, jewelry, and sunglasses. You need to consider their color schemes and the patterns to pair them with your one-of-a-kind jittery styled outfits. Above winter edgy style tips provide you with uniquely authentic inspirations to face this wondrous cold season in expressive style while staying toasty at the same time.

Appearance of fashionable women in winter. Using a green hoodie and a black miniskirt with knee-high boots. In addition, sunglasses and black accessories that make it chicer in winter.image source

Wearing a red hoodie and equipped with plaid blazer plus brown patterned pants can make you look edgy this winter. In addition, add sunglasses accessories to complete the style.image source

A charming winter with a very stylish outfit with a long black blazer that makes it very attractive. Plus a black pants with a flower scarf that gives a beautiful impression and combined with sunglasses. It can make a stylish appearance in winter.image source

A timeless fashion statement, winter cardigan is one of the best ways to keep yourself warm yet still stylish in the snowy winter days. One good thing about cardigans is that you can style it with almost everything, be it turtleneck sweater, faux fur scarf, or even sleek leather pants — no need to worry about boring winter clothes. With winter cardigan, the mix-and-match opportunities are endless.

As a guide, here are 5 comfortable winter cardigan ideas you can rock this winter.

1. Long Knitted Cardigan

A straightforward yet versatile color, a long cardigan is everyone’s favorite this winter. To achieve the effortless impression, combine it with jeans, white top, and you’re ready to go. Your winter never looked this good!

Cardigan will keep you warm in winter and look fashionable. Use a white t-shirt under the knit cardigan and pair it with jeans so you will look stylish.Image Source

Combining a white top with jeans looks simple but will make you look fashionable. Add a long cardigan on top to warm your body in winter so it is more comfortable.Image Source

Wearing a white tank top under a knit cardigan will make you look more cute and beautiful. Just pair it with jeans and sneakers so you will look trendy.Image Source

2. Winter Cardigan with Pockets

There’s nothing better than a warm cardigan with pockets. A long cardigan will accentuate your legs and create a slim silhouette. If you have one, you can also match it with your favorite boots for a taller figure.

There’s nothing better in winter than a warm cardigan with a pocket. Pair with ankle boots so you will look stylish and more confident.Image Source

If you want to stay warm in winter, wearing a cardigan is the perfect idea. Choose a cardigan with a pocket to put your hands in when it’s cold so it will feel warm.Image Source

Stylish women in winter with a knit cardigan look simple and comfortable. Knit cardigan with pockets will make you more comfortable because it can warm your hands.Image Source

3. Two-Tone Maxi Winter Cardigan

During the time where everyone prefers comfort over trend, winter clothes might look dull with its single tonal color. Adding this two-tone winter cardigan will make your wardrobe livelier and more colorful.

Maxi cardigan will keep you warm in winter. Choose Two-Tone Maxi Cardigan to improve your appearance so it looks more trendy.Image Source

Wearing a two-tone maxi cardigan will make you look fashionable and stay comfortable in the winter. Pair it with denim pants and your winter never looked this good.Image Source

Pairing two-tone maxi winter Cardigan with black jeans will make you look fabulous in winter. Add a pair of ankle boot to improve your appearance so it looks more trendy.Image Source

4. Chic Waffle-Knit Cardigan

If you want to get that comfortable look, a waffle-knit cardigan will suit you just fine. Designed for comfort and cold temperature, a waffle-knit cardigan is a perfect stylish addition in your OOTD to protect you from cold.

If you want to get a fashionable and comfortable look, Wearing a cardigan waffle-knit is the right solution. Pair it with ripped jeans so you will look cooler.

Beautiful woman’s style in winter with stylish and comfortable waffle knit cardigans. Complete with beanies so you will look fashionable and stay comfortable.Image Source

Wearing waffle-knit cardigans with denim shirts and jeans will make you look stylish and stay warm in winter. Complete with ankle boots so you will look perfect in winter.Image Source

5. Snuggly Handknitted Winter Cardigan

There’s nothing like a hand knitted cardigan when it comes to a winter outfit. Not only that it’s comfortable and versatile, but the intimate, homey feeling will also make your day during the cold winter. Not only that it is comfortable, but cardigans are also timeless and will look fashionable every season. If you’re a fan of versatile or effortless clothing style, adding one or two winter cardigan to your wardrobe will be a good investment!

Winter cardigan knits aren’t only comfortable in winter but will make you look stylish. Pair it with jeans and boots so you will look trendy in winter.Image Source

Wearing a white shirt and fabric pants covered with hand knitted cardigan will make you look classic and stay comfortable. Add a pair of high heels to improve your appearance so that it looks more classy.Image Source

Pairing a Hand knitted cardigan with a pleated skirt will make you look feminine and stay warm in winter.Image Source